Image forming apparatus including a motion sensor for privacy protection and convenience

ABSTRACT

An image forming apparatus, includes: an image generator; a motion sensor; a login-logout processor; a display; a console; a memory; an on-hold setting receiver that receives a setting to either hold or cancel a set value not completely entered, when the motion sensor is not able to detect the user; and a controller that controls the image generator, the motion sensor, the login-logout processor, the display, the console, the memory, and the on-hold setting receiver. The controller causes the memory to store the set value not completely entered and switches a setting screen if the on-hold setting receiver is set to hold the setting not completely entered when the motion sensor is not able to detect the user while the display displays the setting screen, and cancels the set value not completely entered and switches the setting screen if the on-hold setting receiver is set to cancel the setting not completely entered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/409416, filed on Aug. 23, 2021, which claimspriority from Japanese Application 2020-144529, the content of which ishereby incorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

An aspect of the present invention relates to image forming apparatusesand, in particular, an image forming apparatus including a motionsensor.

2. Description of the Related Art

A multifunction printer operates in several power states, including anormal mode and a power-save mode.

The multifunction printer includes a user detection apparatus such as amotion sensor (a human body detection sensor) and an imaging apparatussuch as a camera. Once the multifunction printer is not able to detect ahuman body, the power state transits from the normal mode to thepower-save mode after a lapse of a predetermined time period.

When the motion sensor detects a human body in the power-save mode, thepower state returns from the power-save mode to the normal mode.

An invention discloses a conventional image forming apparatus includingsuch a motion sensor. When detecting that a user authenticated to log inthe image forming apparatus moves away from the image forming apparatusat a first distance or farther, the image forming apparatus locks theoperation screen (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2018-089983).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The user sometimes has to leave the multifunction printer for somereasons while the setting screen is open. In such a case, the settingscreen is left open, causing a risk that an unauthorized person wouldpeek at the setting screen.

An aspect of the present invention is conceived in view of the aboveproblem, and is intended to provide an image forming apparatus toprevent the setting screen from being peeked at without compromising onuser convenience unlike a conventional image forming apparatus, even ifthe user leaves the multifunction printer while the setting screen isopen.

(1) An image forming apparatus according to an aspect of the presentinvention includes: an image generator; a motion sensor; a login-logoutprocessor that executes processing for a login and a logout inaccordance with a result of authentication of a user; a display thatdisplays a setting screen for the image generator; a console thatreceives an operation to set the setting screen; a memory that stores aset value of the setting screen; an on-hold setting receiver thatreceives a setting to either o d or cancel the set value not completelyentered, when the motion sensor is not able to detect the user; and acontroller that controls the image generator, the motion sensor, thelogin-logout processor, the display, the console, the memory, and theon-hold setting receiver. The controller causes the memory to store theset value not completely entered and switches the setting screen if theon-hold setting receiver is set to hold the setting not completelyentered when the motion sensor is not able to detect the user while thedisplay displays the setting screen, and cancels the set value notcompletely entered and switches the setting screen if the on-holdsetting receiver is set to cancel the setting not completely entered.

In an aspect of the present invention, the “image forming apparatus”,generating and outputting an image, includes a photocopier having afunction of making a photocopy such as a printer utilizing xerographyfor priming an image with toner, and a multifunction peripheral (MFP)having function other than making a photocopy.

The “motion sensor” includes a user detection apparatus such as a motionsensor (a human body detection sensor) and an imaging apparatus such asa camera, and detects a human body entering a predetermined region.

The “set value not completely entered” is a set value that the userenters or changes. The entry or the change of the “set value notcompletely entered” is neither confirmed nor registered.

To “switch the setting screen” is, for example, to close the settingscreen to transit to a home screen for the user to set aphotocopy/fax/scan function, to a user authentication screen (anID/password entry screen) for entry in authentication of the user, and atransition screen (an ID/password entry screen) to an administrator modeto be set by an administrator.

Thanks to an aspect of the present invention, the image formingapparatus switches the setting screen after saving or canceling the setvalue not completely entered. Such a feature makes it possible toprevent the setting screen from being peeked at without compromising onuser convenience unlike a conventional image forming apparatus, even ifthe user leaves the multifunction printer while the setting screen isopen.

Further described below are preferable aspects of the present invention.

(2) The image forming apparatus may further include the login-logoutprocessor that executes processing for a login and a logout inaccordance with a result of authentication of a user. The controller maycause the memory to store the set value not completely entered, switchthe setting screen, and cause the login-logout processor to execute theprocessing for the logout if the on-hold setting receiver is set to holdthe setting not completely entered when the motion sensor is not able todetect the user while the display displays the setting screen after thelogin by the user, and cancel the set value not completely entered,switches the setting screen, and cause the login-logout processor toexecute the processing for the logout if the on-hold setting receiver isset to cancel the setting not completely entered.

Thanks to such features, the image forming apparatus executes theprocessing for the logout after saving or canceling the set value notcompletely entered. Hence, the image forming apparatus can prevent thesetting screen from being peeked at without compromising on userconvenience unlike a conventional image forming apparatus, even if theuser leaves the multifunction printer while the setting screen is open.

(3) If, after the login of the user, the set value shred at a previouslogin by the user exists, the controller may cause the display todisplay the setting screen to which the set value is applied.

Thanks to such a feature, if the set value stored at the previous loginexists when the user logs in, the setting screen is automaticallydisplayed with the set value applied thereto. Hence, the feature canprovide the image forming apparatus with great user convenience.

(4) If, after the login of the user, the set value stored at a previouslogin by the user exists, the controller may cause the display todisplay a confirmation dialogue to ask the user to select whether toapply the set value. If the selection received with the console is toapply the set value, the controller may cause the display to display thesetting screen to which the set value is applied. If the selectionreceived with the console is to cancel the set value, the controller maycause the display to display a predetermined home screen.

Thanks to such a feature, if the set value stored at the previous loginexists when the user logs in, the confirmation dialogue is displayed toask the user to select whether to apply the set value. Hence, thefeature can provide the image forming apparatus with great userconvenience.

(5) The on-hold setting receiver may receive a setting to automaticallyapply the set value on hold. If, after the login of the user, the setvalue stored at a previous login by the user exists, and if the on-holdsetting receiver is set to automatically apply the set value on hold,the controller may cause the display to display the setting screen towhich the set value is applied.

Thanks to such a feature, if the set value stored at the previous loginexists when the user logs in, and if the on-hold setting receiver is setto automatically apply the set value, the setting screen isautomatically displayed with the set value applied thereto. Hence, thefeature can provide the image forming apparatus with great userconvenience.

(6) The on-hold setting receiver may receive a setting to manually applythe set value on hold. If, after the login of the user, the set valuestored at a previous login by the user exists, and if the on-holdsetting receiver is set to manually select the set value on hold, thecontroller may cause the display to display a confirmation dialogue toask the user to select whether to apply the set value. If the selectionreceived with the console is to apply the set value, the controller maycause the display to display the setting screen to which the set valueis applied. If the selection received with the console is to cancel theset value, the controller may cause the display to display apredetermined home screen.

Thanks to such features, if the set value stored at the previous loginexists when the user logs in, and if the on-hold setting receiver is setto manually select the set value, the determination is made whether todisplay the setting screen to which the set value is applied inaccordance with the result of selecting the confirmation dialogue.Hence, the feature can provide the image forming apparatus with greatuser convenience.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a digitalmultifunction printer; that is, an embodiment of an image formingapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 ;

FIG, 3 is a drawing illustrating an operation panel of the digitalmultifunction printer in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of thedigital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 is unattendedby a user;

FIG. 6 is a table showing a corresponding relationship between a humanbody detection state and a process of a not completely entered settingin the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of processing for a logoutexecuted when the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 is unattendedby the user;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of screen displayingprocessing executed when the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 islogged in again;

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of a home screen displayedon the display of the digital multifunction printer in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer according to a secondembodiment of the present invention is unattended by a user;

FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating an example of a processingconfirmation dialogue for an on-hold setting of the digitalmultifunction printer according to the second embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of screen displayingprocessing executed when the digital multifunction printer according tothe second embodiment of the present invention is logged in again;

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention is unattended by a user; and

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of processing for alogout executed when the digital multifunction printer according to thethird embodiment of the present invention is unattended by the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Described below are embodiments of the present invention, with referenceto the drawings. Note that the description below are examples in allrespects, and shall not be interpreted to limit the scope of the presentinvention.

First Embodiment

Described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 is a digitalmultifunction printer 1, that is, an embodiment of an image formingapparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of the digitalmultifunction printer 1; that is, an embodiment of an image formingapparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view ofthe digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a drawingillustrating an operation panel 17 of the digital multifunction printer1 in FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematicconfiguration of the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1 .

The digital multifunction primer 1 is such an apparatus as amultifunction printer and a multifunction peripheral (MFP) digitallyprocessing image data and capable of photocopying, printing, scanning,and sending and receiving a fax.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the digital multifunction printer 1includes: the operation panel 17; and a motion sensor 20 provided to thefront of the operation panel 17.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the operation panel 17 includes: a display171; and a console 172.

Next, a schematic configuration of the digital multifunction printer 1is briefly described, with reference to FIG. 4 .

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the digital multifunction printer 1 includes:a controller 10; an image data obtainer 11; an image generator 12; amemory 13; an image processor 14; a communications unit 15; a paperfeeder 16; the operation panel 17; a timer 18; a notifier 19; the motionsensor 20; a login-logout processor 21; and an on-hold setting receiver22.

Described below are the constituent features of the digitalmultifunction printer 1.

The controller 10, integrally controlling le digital multifunctionprinter 1, includes a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and various interface circuits.

In order to control the whole operation of the digital multifunctionprinter 1, the controller 10 monitors and controls loads in everyrespect such as detection by the sensors, a motor, a clutch, and theoperation panel 17.

The image data obtainer 11 detects to read a document placed on a platenor transported from a document tray, and generates image data. Moreover,the image data obtainer 11 obtains image data generated by a not-shownexternal information processing apparatus or fax apparatus.

The image generator 12 prints, on a paper sheet, the image data obtainedby the image data obtainer 11 and processed by the image processor 14.The image generator 12 includes a laser scanning unit (LSU) 121.

The LSU 121 emits a laser beam, corresponding to information on theimage data including digital signals, to the surface of the electricallycharged photoconductive drum, and generates an electrostatic latentimage.

The memory 13 is an element and a storage medium that stores a controlprogram and information required to achieve various functions of thedigital multifunction printer 1. Examples of the memory 12 include suchstorage media as a semiconductor element including a RAM and a ROM, ahard disk, a flash memory, and an SSD.

Note that the program and the data may be stored in differentapparatuses. For example, the data may be held in the hard disk driveand the program may be held in the flash memory.

The image processor 14 converts the document image, read by the imagedata obtainer 11, into an appropriate electric signal to generate imagedata. The image processor 14 then processes the image data, input fromthe image data obtainer 11, to suit such output as enlargement andreduction in accordance with an instruction from the console 172.

The communications unit 15 holds communication through, for example, anetwork with such external devices as an image processing device, acomputer, a PDA, an information processing apparatus, and a faxapparatus, and transmits and receives various kinds of information suchas e-mail and a fax to and from these external devices.

The paper feeder 16 transports to the image generator 12 a paper sheetstored in a paper cassette and a bypass tray.

The operation panel 17, provided with a liquid crystal display (LCD),includes the display 171 and the console 172.

The display 171 displays various kinds of information. The display 171includes, for example, a CRT display, an LCD, and an EL display. Thedisplay 171 is, for example, a monitor and a line display for displayingsuch electronic data as processing states of the operating system andthe application software. The controller 10 displays, through thedisplay 171, an operation and a state of the digital multifunctionprinter 1.

The console 172 includes such physical operation keys as a touch paneland a power key, and receives an instruction from the user.

The timer 18 measures time and obtains a time point through, forexample, a built-in clock and a network.

The notifier 19 causes such a sound generation apparatus as a speaker togenerate, for example, a sound of a beeper and a voice message, andsends, for example, a warning and a message around.

The motion sensor 20 detects an intruder found in a predetermined regionAR.

In FIG. 2 , the region AR, shaped into a sector, defines a region inwhich the intruder is detected by the motion sensor 20. When a humanbody enters the region AR, the motion sensor 20 detects the person.

The motion sensor 20 is, for example, a pyroelectric infrared sensorincluding a pyroelectric element to detect a variation of infraredradiation caused by a motion of the intruder in the region AR.

Moreover, the motion sensor 20 may analyze an image obtained by such animaging apparatus as a camera to detect an intruder in the region AR. Insuch a case, the imaging apparatus obtains an image of a predeterminedarea at predetermined time intervals, and the motion sensor 20 detectspresence or absence of a change of the image between two or moreobtained frames. If a change is found in the image, the motion sensor 20determines the detected change as the presence of the intruder.

The motion sensor 20 outputs the detection result when an object isfound within a predetermined area (e.g. 0 m to 5 m). The level of theoutput varies depending on the distance to the object.

The login-logout processor 21 compares such information as a login nameand a password entered with the console 172 and information previouslystored in the memory 13, and executes processing for a login if the useris authenticated as a legitimate user.

Moreover, the login-logout processor 21 also executes processing for alogout in accordance with a logout instruction entered with the console172.

When the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect the user, the on-holdsetting receiver 22 receives a setting to either hold or cancel a setvalue not completely entered.

Example of On-Hold Setting of Set Value When Digital MultifunctionPrinter 1 According to First Embodiment of Present Invention IsUnattended by User

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , described below is an example of anon-hold setting of a set value when the digital multifunction printer Iaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention is unattendedby the user.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1 isunattended by the user. FIG. 6 is a table showing a correspondingrelationship between a human body detection state and a process of a notcompletely entered setting in the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG1 .

When the user leaves the digital multifunction printer 1 while thesetting screen is open in the power-save setting, the user sets whetherto cancel or hold the not completely entered setting. The on-holdsetting receiver 22 receives the setting of the user.

FIG. 5 shows that, as “On-hold setting of a set value with the motionsensor when no user attends”, the user checks either option of “Cancelthe not completely entered setting” or “Hold the not completely enteredsetting.”

When the user checks the option “Cancel the not completely enteredsetting”, if the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect a human bodywhile the setting screen is open, the not completely entered setting iscanceled.

Meanwhile, when the user checks the option “Hold the not completelyentered setting”, if the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect a humanbody while the setting screen is open, the not completely enteredsetting is held.

The table in FIG. 6 shows that, even if the not completely enteredsetting is either “Hold” or “Cancel” when the motion sensor 20 detectsthe human body, the controller 10 keeps displaying the setting screen onthe display 171.

If the not completely entered setting is set “Hold” when the motionsensor 20 transits from a state in which the human body is detected to astate in which the human body is undetected, the login-logout processor21 executes processing for a logout with the not completely enteredsetting maintained on the setting screen.

Meanwhile, if the not completely entered setting is set “Cancel”, thelogin-logout processor 21 executes the processing for the logout afterthe not completely entered setting on the setting screen is canceled.

Example of Processing for Logout When Digital Multifunction Printer 1According to First Embodiment of Present Invention Is Unattended by User

Next, with reference to FIG. 7 , described below is an example of theprocessing for the logout when the digital multifunction primer 1according to the first embodiment of present invention unattended by auser.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of setting processingexecuted on the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1 .

At Step S1 in FIG. 7 , the motion sensor 20 detects a human body. AtStep S2, the console 172 receives an operation of the user to log in.

When the user is authenticated as a legitimate user, the login-logoutprocessor 21 executes the processing for the login.

At Step S3, the user causes the display 171 to display the settingscreen. At Step S4, the user assumes a case where a set value ischanged.

At this moment, the set value is neither confirmed nor registered.

At Step S5, the controller 10 determines whether the motion sensor 20 isdetecting the human body.

If the motion sensor 20 is detecting the human body (the determinationat Step S5: Yes), the controller 10 returns the processing to Step S4.

Meanwhile, if the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect the human body(the determination at Step S5: No), the controller 10 determines at StepS6 whether the checked setting is to save the not completely enteredsetting when the human body is undetected.

At Step S6, if the checked setting is to save the not completely enteredsetting when the human body is undetected (the determination at Step S6:Yes), the controller 10 at Step S7 saves in the memory 13 a value of thenot completely entered setting as an on-hold set value. At Step S9, thelogin-logout processor 21 executes the processing for the logout. Thesetting processing ends.

Meanwhile if the checked setting is to cancel the not completely enteredsetting when the human body is undetected (the determination at Step S6:No), the controller 10 at Step S8 clears the value of the not completelyentered setting. At Step S9, the login-logout processor 21 executes theprocessing for the logout. The setting processing ends.

Hence, even if the user leaves the digital multifunction printer 1 whilethe setting screen is open, the login-logout processor 21 executes theprocessing for the logout when the motion sensor 20 is not able todetect the human body. Such a feature allows the digital multifunctionprinter 1 to keep an unauthorized person from peeking at the settingscreen.

Example of Screen Displaying Processing Executed When DigitalMultifunction Printer 1 According to First Embodiment of PresentInvention Is Logged in Again

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 , described next is an example of thescreen displaying processing executed when the digital multifunctionprinter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention islogged in again.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of the screen displayingprocessing executed when the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1is re-logged in.

At Step S11 in FIG. 8 , the motion sensor 20 detects a human body. AtStep S12, the console 172 receives an operation of the user to log in.

When the user is authenticated as a legitimate user, the login-logoutprocessor 21 executes the processing for the login.

At Step S13, the controller 10 determines whether the on-hold set valueat the previous login exists.

If the on-hold set value at the previous login exists (the determinationat Step S13: Yes), the controller 10 at Step S14 applies the on-hold setvalue and causes the display 171 to display the setting screen. Afterthat, the processing ends.

Meanwhile, if the on-hold set value at the previous login does not exist(the determination at Step S13: No), the controller 10 at Step S15causes the display 171 to display the home screen. After that, theprocessing ends.

The home screen is a predetermined screen displayed by default on thedisplay 171 after the user logs in the digital multifunction printer 1.

FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating an example of the home screen displayedon the display 171 of the digital multifunction printer 1 in FIG. 1 .

As can be seen, if the not completely entered setting not saved at theprevious logout is automatically saved, the display 171 displays thesetting screen automatically updated with the automatically savedsetting when the same user logs in the digital multifunction printer 1again. Such a feature can provide the digital multifunction printer 1with great user convenience.

Second Embodiment Example of On-Hold Setting of Set Value When DigitalMultifunction Printer 1 according to Second Embodiment of PresentInvention Is Unattended by User

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 , described below is an example of anon-hold setting of a set value when the digital multifunction printer 1according to a second embodiment of the present invention is unattendedby a user.

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer I according to a secondembodiment of the present invention is unattended by a user. FIG, 11 isa drawing illustrating an example of a processing confirmation dialoguefor the on-hold setting of the digital multifunction printer 1 accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows that, as “On-hold setting of a set value with the motionsensor when no user attends”, the user checks either option of “Cancelthe not completely entered setting” or “Hold the not completely enteredsetting,” Such a setting is the same as that described in the firstembodiment (see FIG. 5 ).

The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment isthat, when the user checks “Hold the not completely entered setting” inthe second embodiment, the user checks either option of “Manually selectapplication of the on-hold set value” or “Automatically apply theon-hold set value” as “Setting for application of the on-hold setvalue.”

When the option “Manually select application of the on-hold set value”is checked, the user can manually select whether to apply the on-holdsetting.

Here, as illustrated in FIG. 11 , the display 171 displays a message toread, “Found an on-hold setting. Select an option.”

The user checks either option of “Cancel” or “Apply the previouslyon-hold set value (neither registered nor confirmed)”, and presses theOK key.

Meanwhile, in “Setting for application of the on-hold set value”, if theoption “Automatically apply the on-hold set value” is checked, theon-hold setting is automatically applied when the user reopens thesetting screen.

Note that the setting processing executed on the digital multifunctionprinter 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention isthe same as that according to the first embodiment (FIG. 7 ), and willnot be elaborated upon here.

Example of Screen Displaying; Processing Executed When DigitalMultifunction Printer 1 According to Second Embodiment of PresentInvention Is Logged in Again

With reference to FIG. 12 , described next is an example of the screendisplaying processing executed when the digital multifunction printer 1according to the second embodiment of the present invention is logged inagain.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of the screen displayingprocessing executed when the digital multifunction printer 1 accordingto the second embodiment of the present invention is logged in again.

Note that processing at Steps S21 to S23, S25 and S29 in FIG. 12corresponds to the processing at Steps S11 to S15 in FIG. 8 , and willnot be elaborated upon here.

Described here is processing at Steps S24 and S26 to S28, which is notshown in FIG. 8.

If, at Step S23, the on-hold set value at the previous login exists (thedetermination at Step S23: Yes), the controller 10 at Step S24determines whether the setting for the automatic application of theon-hold set value is valid.

If the setting for the automatic application of the on-hold set value isvalid (the determination at Step S24: Yes), the controller 10 at StepS25 applies the on-hold set value and causes the display 171 to displaythe setting screen. After that, the processing ends.

If the setting for the automatic application of the on-hold set value isinvalid (the determination at Step S24: No), the controller 10 at StepS26 causes the display 171 to display the processing confirmationdialogue for the on-hold setting.

At Step S27, the controller 10 determines whether to apply the on-holdset value in accordance with the result of selecting the processingconfirmation dialogue for the on-hold setting.

If the on-hold set value is to be applied (the determination at StepS27: Yes), the controller 10 executes the processing at Step 25.

If the on-hold set value is not to be applied (the determination at StepS27: No), the controller 10 at Step S28 cancels the on-hold set valuestored in the memory 13. At Step S29, the controller 10 causes thedisplay 171 to display a predetermined home screen. After that, theprocessing on the controller 10 ends.

As can be seen, if the checked setting is to save the not completelyentered setting, the user can freely select either the manual or theautomatic application of the on-hold set value. Such a feature canprovide the digital multifunction printer 1 with great user convenience.

Third Embodiment Example of Processing for Logout When DigitalMultifunction Printer 1 according to Third Embodiment of PresentInvention is Unattended by User

Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 , described below is an exampleof processing for a logout when the digital multifunction printer acegirding to the third embodiment of present invention is unattended by auser.

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example of an on-hold setting of aset value when the digital multifunction printer 1 according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention is unattended by a user. FIG. 14 isa flowchart illustrating a sequence of processing for a logout executedwhen the digital multifunction printer 1 according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention is unattended by the user.

FIG. 13 shows that, as “On-hold setting of a set value with the motionsensor when no user attends”, the user checks either option of “Cancelthe not completely entered setting” or “Hold the not completely enteredsetting” Such a setting is the same as that described in the firstembodiment (see FIG. 5 ).

The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment isthat, in the third embodiment, the user can set a “Waiting time perioduntil the logout after he motion sensor has stopped detecting the user”

In the example of FIG. 13 , the waiting time period is set to 30seconds.

Note that processing at Steps S31 to S35 and S37 to S40 in FIG. 14corresponds to the processing at Steps S1 to S9 in FIG. 7 , and will notbe elaborated upon here.

Described ere is processing at Steps S36, which is not shown in FIG. 7 .

At Step S35, if the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect the humanbody (the determination at Step S35: No), the controller 10 determinesat Step S36 whether a predetermined time period has elapsed after themotion sensor 20 is not able to detect the human body.

If after the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect the human body, thepredetermined time period has elapsed (the determination at Step S36:Yes), the controller 10 determines at Step S37 whether the checkedsetting is to save the not completely entered setting when the humanbody is undetected.

Meanwhile, if, after the motion sensor 20 is not able to detect thehuman body, the predetermined time period has not elapsed (thedetermination at Step S36: No), the controller 10 returns the processingto the determination at Step S35.

As can be seen, the login-logout processor 21 does not execute theprocessing for the logout immediately after the human body isundetected, but waits until the predetermined time period elapses. Sucha feature can provide the digital multifunction printer 1 with greatuser convenience.

A preferable aspect of the present invention includes a combination ofany two or more of the aspects described above.

Other than the above embodiments, the present invention includes variousmodifications. These modifications shall not be interpreted not tobelong to the scope of the present invention. The present inventionshall include the claims and all the modifications equivalent to thefeatures of, and within the scope of, the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an imagegenerator; a motion sensor; a login-logout processor that executesprocessing for a login and a logout in accordance with a result ofauthentication of a user; a display that displays a setting screen forthe image generator; a console that receives an operation to set thesetting screen; a memory that stores a set value of the setting screen;an on-hold setting receiver that receives a setting to either hold orcancel the set value not completely entered when the motion sensor isnot able to detect the user; and a controller that controls the imagegenerator, the motion sensor, the login-logout processor, the display,the console, the memory, and the on-hold setting receiver, wherein if,after the login of the user, the set value stored at a previous login bythe user exists, the controller causes the display to display aconfirmation dialogue to ask the user to select whether to apply the setvalue, the on-hold setting receiver receives a setting to manually applythe set value on hold, if, after the login of the user, the set valuestored at a previous login by the user exists, and if the on-holdsetting receiver is set to manually select the set value on hold, thecontroller causes the display to display the confirmation dialogue toask the user to select whether to apply the set value, if the selectionreceived with the console is to apply the set value, the controllercauses the display to display the setting screen to which the set valueis applied, and if the selection received with the console is to cancelthe set value, the controller causes the display to display apredetermined home screen.
 2. The image forming apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the controller further causes the memory to store theset value not completely entered and causes the login-logout processorto execute the processing for the logout if the on-hold setting receiveris set to hold the setting not completely entered when the motion sensoris not able to detect the user while the display displays the settingscreen after the login by the user, and cancels the set value notcompletely entered and causes the login-logout processor to execute theprocessing for the logout if the on-hold setting receiver is set tocancel the setting not completely entered.
 3. The image formingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the confirmation dialogueis displayed on the display, if the selection received with the consoleis to apply the set value, the controller causes the display to displaythe setting screen to which the set value is applied, and if theselection received with the console is to cancel the set value, thecontroller causes the display to display a predetermined home screen. 4.The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the on-holdsetting receiver receives a setting to automatically apply the set valueon hold, if, after the login of the user, the set value stored at aprevious login by the user exists, and if the on-hold setting receiveris set to automatically apply the set value on hold, the controllercauses the display to display the setting screen to which the set valueis applied.